In early 2419, following the assassination of EmpressSela, the Federation and Romulan Star Empire entered talks regarding the possibility of working together on a project. The Romulans, not ready to ally themselves with the Federation, agreed to convert the Idori System Starbase into Deep Space 20.

The Federation assigned CaptainTara Rosa to command DS20, and the USS Erebus to serve as station defense. In addition, the Romulans would maintain a small fleet in the system, commanded by the highest ranking Romulan officer on Deep Space 20.